Non-League Paper

HEART & SOUL OF FOOTBALL!

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
21 June 2026

GENERATION X: Data analytics are taking over the higher echelons of the game
PICTURE: Alamy

NUMBERS were crunched like a kid with a bowl of Frosties, and the data used to optimise everything from throw-ins and goal kicks to when players should go to bed.
Before long, those numbers governed their waking hours, too; when to press, when to run, where to be and what to do in every conceivable situation. Long-range efforts were discouraged and dismissed as low-value chances. Set-pieces prioritised as the best route to goal. Dribbling frowned upon.
Data analysis is nothing new, of cour...

Continue reading...

Access all our premium content from as little as 14p per day!

Already a subscriber to our website? Login

Related TopicsEFL FA Vase Football Hornchurch Non-League Premier League Premium

Read our latest news on any of these social networks!

Tackle the News

- Sign Up for our weekly Non-League Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

More in Non-League Paper

SCOTT GOT TIPS FROM THE TOP

Boss Kerr learning his trade with Brid By Matt Badcock HOT SCOTTY: Scott Kerr led an impressive turnaround at Bridlington Town last season PICTURE: EC Media SCOTT KERR’S football education came from managerial masters like Keith Alexander and Gary Mills – now he’s enjoying his own shot in the dugout....
Busy Ben nets hat-trick of aces

DARTFORD boss Ben Grenhalgh has boosted his attacking options with a trio of signings. Max Fiddes, 20, has been recruited from Dover. He performed well in loan spells at Canvey Island, Burgess Hill Town and Cray Wanderers last term. He previously came through the youth set-up at Reading before moving...
TOP RECRUITS DELIGHT DYER

By Tom Blackett SOUTHEND United boss Kieron Dyer believes the Shrimpers have pulled off a ‘massive coup’ by signing midfield duo Anthony Hartigan and Darren Oldaker. The pair were unveiled as Dyer’s latest signings alongside the Shrimpers’ new kit for the 2026-27 season. Skipper Hartigan, 26, won the National League...
ALL OVER FOR DABBERS’ BEN

NANTWICH Town goalkeeper Ben Garratt has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 32. Garratt made the move to the Dabbers in February 2024, making 108 appearances for the club, keeping 26 clean sheets. He began his career with his hometown club Crewe Alexandra, where he featured...